Siem Reap: Best Things to Do & Top Attractions
This city is famous for its proximity to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and serves as a gateway to ancient Khmer ruins. It offers pleasant night markets, traditional Apsara dance performances, and diverse culinary options.
- Airport
- Siem Reap – Int'l.
- Est. Visit Days
- 3 days
Overview
Siem Reap, a city in northwestern Cambodia, is renowned for being the gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor, including the magnificent Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest religious monument in the world. The city's economy is heavily tied to tourism, which has boomed in recent years, leading to improved infrastructure and a range of accommodation options. However, this reliance on tourism can also result in overcrowding, especially during peak seasons. Siem Reap offers a glimpse into Cambodia's rich history and culture beyond the temples, with traditional dance performances and a remarkable culinary scene. Visitors might find the persistent touting and commercialization around the temple complexes a downside to their experience.
Traffic & Transport
The city experiences moderate traffic, with peak congestion around major tourist attractions and during rush hours. The best way to explore is by using tuk-tuks, which are widely available and offer a convenient and authentic local experience. Bicycles are also a popular and eco-friendly option, allowing visitors to navigate through smaller streets and alleys with ease. For longer distances, motorbike taxis are efficient, although they may not be as comfortable for extended rides. Reliable taxi services include "ABC Taxi" and "Lucky Taxi," which are known for their professionalism and availability. Additionally, the Grab app is a convenient option for booking both taxis and tuk-tuks, providing transparent pricing and English-speaking drivers.
History
Originally part of the Khmer Empire, the city was a significant center for trade and agriculture from the 9th to the 15th century. It was the capital city under the reign of King Indravarman I, who constructed the first major temples at Angkor. The city's name means "Siam Defeated," commemorating a decisive battle with the Kingdom of Siam in the 17th century. During the 20th century, it was a scene of conflict, particularly during the Cambodian Civil War and the Khmer Rouge era. Its cultural heritage, including the Angkor Wat temple complex, has made it a world-renowned tourist destination.
Itinerary Sample
Explore Siem Reap's rich history and lively culture with this 3-day itinerary:
– First day: Visit Angkor Wat at sunrise, explore Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple, and finish at Ta Prohm.
– Second day: Tour Banteay Srei, Landmine Museum, and relax at Phare Circus in the evening.
– Third day: Visit the Floating Village, shop at Old Market, and stroll through the Royal Gardens.
Near Excursion
This city offers several interesting day trips within a short distance. Here are some suggestions:
– Beng Mealea at 65 km: A sprawling jungle temple with a mysterious and overgrown atmosphere.
– Phnom Kulen at 50 km: A sacred mountain with waterfalls, ancient ruins, and a reclining Buddha statue.
– Tonle Sap Lake at 30 km: The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, known for its floating villages.
– Banteay Srei at 37 km: A 10th-century temple famous for its nice pink sandstone carvings.
– Koh Ker at 120 km: An ancient capital with impressive temples, including the pyramid-like Prasat Thom.
Attraction
The city is known for its ancient temples and rich cultural heritage.
– Angkor Wat: The largest religious monument in the world, known for its remarkable architecture and historical significance.
– Bayon Temple: Famous for its massive stone faces and sophisticated carvings, located in the Angkor Thom complex.
– Ta Prohm: Known for the trees growing out of the ruins, offering a unique and elegant experience.
– Angkor National Museum: Provides insights into the history and culture of the Khmer Empire with well-curated exhibits.
– Tonle Sap Lake: The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, offering boat tours to see floating villages and local wildlife.
– Phare, The Cambodian Circus: A popular evening show combining theater, music, dance, and acrobatics, showcasing local talent and stories.
Activity
In Siem Reap, travelers can explore ancient temples, enjoy local cuisine, and experience traditional performances.
– Angkor Wat Sunrise: Witness the iconic sunrise over the largest religious monument in the world.
– Floating Village Tour: Visit Tonle Sap Lake and see the unique lifestyle of people living on water.
– Cambodian Cooking Class: Learn to cook traditional Khmer dishes with local ingredients.
– Quad Biking Adventure: Ride through rural landscapes and visit remote temples on a quad bike.
– Apsara Dance Show: Watch a traditional Khmer dance performance with nice costumes and storytelling.
Cuisine
The city offers a lovely food scene with a mix of traditional Khmer cuisine and international flavors. Street food and local markets are popular spots to explore diverse dishes.
– Amok Trey: Steamed fish curry with coconut milk, served in banana leaves.
– Lok Lak: Stir-fried beef with a tangy lime and pepper dipping sauce.
– Nom Banh Chok: Traditional Khmer noodles with green fish curry and fresh herbs.
– Bai Sach Chrouk: Grilled pork served over rice with pickled vegetables and broth.
– Kuy Teav: Rice noodle soup with pork or beef, flavored with herbs and lime.
– Num Ansom Chek: Sticky rice cake filled with banana, wrapped in banana leaves.
Shopping
The city offers a attractive shopping experience at the Angkor Night Market, where tourists can find a variety of local crafts and souvenirs. A popular gift to purchase is a handcrafted silver item or traditional Khmer silk. Artisans Angkor is a notable shop where you can buy authentic Cambodian handicrafts. For a unique gift, consider purchasing a Krama, a traditional Cambodian scarf, available in various colors and patterns. The Old Market is also a great spot to explore for a wide range of local goods and souvenirs. These markets not only provide a glimpse into local culture but also support the local economy.
Arts & Culture
The city is renowned for its cultural significance due to the nearby Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site that hosts the annual Angkor Wat International Half Marathon and the Angkor Photo Festival & Workshops. Traditional Apsara dance performances, which depict mythological stories, are a cultural highlight often showcased in local theaters and hotels. The city also hosts the Khmer New Year celebrations, which include traditional games, live music, and dance performances. Additionally, the city is a hub for Cambodian crafts, featuring numerous markets and galleries that display silk, stone carvings, and woodwork created by local artisans.